Seroprevalence of foot and mouth disease in traditionally managed cattle in East and West Hararghe zones, Ethiopia

Abstract

Serological evidence of exposure to foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) was assessed in traditionally managed cattle in 21 districts of East and West Hararghe zones in Oromiya State, Ethiopia, through a cross-sectional survey conducted between November 2008 and March 2009. Sera collected from 504 cattle were tested for antibodies against FMDV using a commercial ELISA. Antibodies to FMDV were detected at an overall prevalence rate of 11.6% [95% confidence interval (95CI): 8.6–14.5%]. In West Hararghe the seroprevalence was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (25.7%; 95CI: 19.6– 31.9%) than in East Hararghe (1.4%; 95CI: 0.0–3.3%). Location [odds ratio (OR) 0.87], altitude (OR 0.62), and age (OR 1.12) were found to be significant infection risk factors. Cattle sampled in the lowlands had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher FMDV seroprevalence (36.2%) than those in the highlands (3.4%). Furthermore, cattle in districts dominated by agropastoralists and those closer to the pastoral and agropastoral communities of Somali (6.4%) and Afar (21.3–46.1%) regional states showed higher seropositivity. The study found that FMDV circulated in the areas at a relatively low frequency, which may however increase because of unrestricted movement of animals within the region and across borders. Owing to the extensive livestock production system and difficulties in controlling livestock movement, alternative control strategies involving targeted surveillance, enhanced early disease recognition and reporting, and prophylactic vaccination are suggested as feasible options of FMD control in the areas. Further studies are also suggested to ascertain the volume and pattern of livestock movement and characterize the circulating FMDV serotypes in the areas.